Let Me Breathe Thunder: Analysis of Major Characters
"Let Me Breathe Thunder" is a narrative that explores the intricate dynamics of its major characters, each representing diverse backgrounds and experiences. The story is primarily narrated by Ed, a young white migrant worker who is introspective and loyal, often reflecting on his life as he travels between jobs. His companion, Step, is a more impulsive leader, characterized by a fiery temperament and a complex personality that masks a sensitive side. Their journey intersects with Hi Boy, a nine-year-old Mexican boy who has been abandoned and shows remarkable generosity despite his circumstances.
The narrative also delves into the life of Sampson, a widowed ranch owner who embodies kindness and loneliness, and who seeks to nurture Hi Boy. Anna Sampson, his teenage daughter, grapples with her feelings for Step, ultimately facing the consequences of her quest for independence. Another key figure is Mag, a resilient black woman who has transformed her past as a prostitute into a life of ownership and care for others, including Ed and Hi Boy. Lastly, Cooper, Mag’s companion, adds depth to the story as his health struggles and complex relationships with both Mag and Anna contribute to the novel's climax. Together, these characters paint a rich tapestry of human experience, resilience, and the quest for connection amidst hardship.
Let Me Breathe Thunder: Analysis of Major Characters
Author: William Attaway
First published: 1939
Genre: Novel
Locale: Northwestern United States
Plot: Naturalism
Time: The 1930's
Ed, the narrator, a white man in his twenties. Ed, a migrant worker, is quiet, reflective, and loyal to his buddy Step. He tells nothing about his family or background. He killed steers in St. Louis, Missouri, and rides the rails from job to job.
Step, a white man in his twenties. He is an impetuous leader with red hair and a quick temper. A former fighter, he seems cold on the outside but hides a sensitive soul. Little is revealed concerning his background. He works hard, drinks hard, fights hard, and has little respect for women, yet is very responsible in taking care of an abandoned nine-year-old boy.
Hi Boy, a nine-year-old Mexican boy abandoned by his family in a Southwestern town called La Cruces. He gives away the last of his money when he meets Step and Ed. Hi Boy shoots a rifle. His name comes from the phrase he often speaks.
Sampson, the owner of Four Mile Farm, an apple and sheep ranch in Yakima Valley. He hires Ed and Step. He is a kind, lonely man, a widower with one daughter. He speaks Spanish and urges Hi Boy to live with him. His four sons died in World War I, and his wife died of grief soon afterward.
Anna Sampson, a blond teenage girl who likes film magazines and romance. She falls in love with Step and tries to get him to stay on the farm. Her final attempt to acquire independence results in tragedy.
Mag, a fifty-three-year-old black woman. She is a former prostitute who now owns a brothel, a house, and land in Yakima. Mag is tough but kind and affectionate to Ed, Hi Boy, and her old friend Step. Mag loves a special handmade four-barrel shotgun but cannot shoot.
Cooper, Mag's companion, a “high yellow” black man with failing health who has a wild past. His struggle with Anna and Mag creates the climax of the novel.